A major pentatonic scale on guitar
The A major pentatonic scale has 5 notes: A, B, C♯, E and F♯. Five notes from the major scale with the two “tense” notes (the 4th and 7th) left out. Almost nothing can clash, which makes it a favourite for sweet, singable melodies and country and pop solos.
Notes in A major pentatonic
- Formula
- 1 2 3 5 6
- Step pattern
- W – W – W+H – W – W+H
- Notes
- 5
Tap a note to hear it.
A major pentatonic across the neck
Every A major pentatonic note on the first 12 frets in standard tuning. Filled dots are the root, A. A good place to start: A on the low E string is at fret 5, so play the notes between frets 4 and 8 first, then move up the neck.
Intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from A |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Root |
| 2 | B | Major 2nd |
| 3 | C♯ | Major 3rd |
| 5 | E | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | F♯ | Major 6th |
Chords to play A major pentatonic over
The A major pentatonic scale fits the main chords of the A major key:
Related scales
- It uses exactly the same five notes as F♯ minor pentatonic, so one shape covers both.
- Add the 4th and 7th back and you have the full A major scale.
Questions
What notes are in the A major pentatonic scale?
A, B, C♯, E, F♯. Its formula is 1 2 3 5 6.
Where do I start the A major pentatonic scale on guitar?
A on the low E string is at fret 5, so play the notes between frets 4 and 8 first. The fretboard map on this page shows every A major pentatonic note on the first 12 frets.
What scales are related to A major pentatonic?
It uses exactly the same five notes as F♯ minor pentatonic, so one shape covers both.
More scales
Major pentatonic in every key
Other scales from A